Security - Stethoscope Engraving

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I am wondering whether or not it would be a security issue for me to have my full name engraved onto my stethoscope. I am a new student, so I am still not sure how identification works. Will people be able to see my full name on an ID tag anyway, or is that kept private? With the internet in this day and age, an upset client could find out a lot of information using a nurse's full name is my primary concern.

Typically, your full name is on your badge. When you think of all the things patients trust us to do to them or for them, it makes sense that we trust them with something as simple as our name.

BeachsideRN, ASN

1,722 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

You can only read the engraving on a stethoscope of you are looking for it. Not even worth the extra $ IMHO

BeachsideRN, ASN

1,722 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Your ID will identify you. For some rotations we were allowed to cover our last name with a piece of tape for security issues

sailornurse

1,231 Posts

Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
Typically, your full name is on your badge. When you think of all the things patients trust us to do to them or for them, it makes sense that we trust them with something as simple as our name.

Some local hospitals do not put your last name on the badge. They will put your first name in big letters but not your last name. On the back they may have your full name, including last name. But the front will say Mary BSN RN.

Some local hospitals do not put your last name on the badge. They will put your first name in big letters but not your last name. On the back they may have your full name, including last name. But the front will say Mary BSN RN.

I've only had three nursing jobs, but my first and last name were on the front of the badge for all three. I don't doubt that there are exceptions, but I think full names are pretty common.

Anonymous865

483 Posts

A patient can always get your full name by requesting a copy of their medical record. Your full name will be in it.

A patient has the right to know the full name and credentials of anyone providing them medical care.

allnurses Guide

JBudd, MSN

3,836 Posts

Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

security issue? no

getting it back? yeah, useful, especially if you have a really expensive one. I quit carrying expensive ones years ago, my cheap ones don't tend to walk off. I just use a cheap dog tag from the local pet store.....

sailornurse

1,231 Posts

Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
A patient can always get your full name by requesting a copy of their medical record. Your full name will be in it.

A patient has the right to know the full name and credentials of anyone providing them medical care.

Sure they can request their medical record, but not many do. And yes they can ask your name & credentials. But we have had an incident where an ER physician was followed home by unhappy customers. At the psych hospital my badge only has my first name and title. The local hospitals also have in pretty large letters first name & title. One does have in much smaller font on the front full name.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

102 Articles; 27,612 Posts

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

As an aside, patients have the right to know the first and last names of the licensed professionals who provide their care. Physicians are not permitted to disguise their last names, and neither should nursing staff. This is a marker of an educated professional.

Fast food workers and Wal-Mart employees have name badges that list only the first name.

BeachsideRN, ASN

1,722 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
As an aside, patients have the right to know the first and last names of the licensed professionals who provide their care. Physicians are not permitted to disguise their last names, and neither should nursing staff. This is a marker of an educated professional.

Fast food workers and Wal-Mart employees have name badges that list only the first name.

The ER I work at has first name only for nursing and techs; full name for physicians.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Anyone can find out anything about anyone...

if if you want to engrave your stethoscope as a means to deter someone from taking it-then do so; however never make the mistake that no one can not find out about who we are in the business we're in; what we do, and any action we perform comes with accountability.

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